Radical Evil on Trial [Paperback]

Carlos Santiago Nino (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 1998

Does an emergent democracy have an obligation to prosecute its former dictators for crimes against humanity - for what Ardent and Kant called "radical evil"? In this study, an analysis is provided of developments in Argentina during the 1980s, when a military dictatorship gave way to democracy.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In his latest scholarly essay, Nino, the author of several notable human rights works, including The Ethics of Human Rights (Clarendon, 1991), asks why some human rights abuses are prosecuted while others are not. He begins by surveying notable 20th-century rights violations and cataloging the successes of their corresponding prosecutions. He then includes a case study of the problems associated with the democratization of his native Argentina. Nino's analysis reveals several factors that account for the relative success of these trials, such as the abruptness of governmental transition and the frequency of abuse. He further argues that rights violations should be prosecuted primarily for preventive rather that retributive reasons. While experts may find Nino's ideas intriguing, most readers will be left wishing for more clearly written prose, more extensive explanations of historical events, and better footnoting of sources. Recommended only for larger academic libraries.
Steven Anderson, Baltimore Cty. Circuit Court Law Lib., Towson, Md.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (November 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300077289
• ISBN-13: 978-0300077285
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #988,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Devastating!, May 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Radical Evil on Trial (Hardcover)

Carlos Nino, the leading Latin-American public philosopher of the century, was also a statesman and a brave patriot. This book reflects his experience, personal contribution and analysis in relation to the unprecedented policy of truth and justice of former argentine President Alfonsin.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a great study about genocidy and justice, February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Radical Evil on Trial (Paperback)

Carlos Nino, who passed away in 1993 is one of the authors who studied more the subject of how to trial the people who commited the most horrible violations of human rights. It's undeniable the best in the subject.